A lingerie bag is not just any bag, but a multi-functional bag. This important bag can be made from a number of different materials, with different types of closures and designed for different purposes. The bag can be used at home and while you are on the go.
There is generally nothing fancy about the basic lingerie bag; however, the purpose of the bag is very important. You can use the bag to store certain lingerie items, you can use it to wash your lingerie in and the bag will protect your lingerie from other clothing or other items. Many don’t realize how important a lingerie bag is until after you have used one.
Why a bag for your lingerie?
How much money do you spend on your lingerie and how often do you have to buy new items to replaced damaged items? Take a moment and think about how you wash and store your bras, stockings and even your “sexy” items. Do you stuff them into a drawer when putting them away? If so, I can imagine how your satin or silk items look when you pull one out; wrinkled and extremely unattractive which is a great way to start a romantic evening. What about how you wash those must have items?
How to wash with your lingerie bag
When you wash your lingerie, do you take the time and wash them by hand or do you throw them in the washer with your other clothes? Most undergarments are purchased with washing instructions to hand wash only. Not everyone has time for to do this, so the items tend to go directly in the washer with regular clothes.
Many undergarments go through a wrestling match every time you “toss” them in with the regular laundry. Bras get their hooks caught on other items or in the holes of the washing machine’s tub; the hooks are easily bent or even torn of the bra itself. The wire in underwire bras are bent and then they feel extremely uncomfortable. Lace can become frayed and torn.
Pantyhose or stockings, well, we know how easy these are to ruin. Not only are they stretched, poked and torn but the legs get wrapped and tied around the center post of the washer. How many of your lingerie items have been destroyed by the washer? Try a lingerie bag.
Cost and materials
If you were to spend under $10.00, I’m being generous here, you can save your lingerie and actually extend the life of each garment. This dollar figure I just noted is for a basic bag for lingerie that you can purchase at your local department store in which the average size is 12 x 16 inches. If you choose a bag made from an exotic material or has a monogram or personalized in another way the price will increase. Of course, you can buy bags that are designed for storage only and those will cost a bit more.
The materials used in a lingerie pouch can be a nice cotton, nylon or even a beautiful silk. You will also find lingerie bags that are made from different types of mesh materials. When choosing a mesh material, only purchase one in which the holes are very small so that your items are protected. If you are crafty and like to sew, you can make your own and personalize the bag to suit your personal needs. If you are on a very tight budget or forget to take a lingerie bag with you on your vacation and need to do some wash, use a pillow case and tie the end closed.
Lingerie Bag Designs
Some bags for lingerie are a simple pouch that is closed with a zipper. Some are closed with a drawstring. Most bags have one pocket while some have two. Ones with double pockets are super because you can place your bras in one pocket and your hosiery in the other. Both get washed at the same time and the bra hooks won’t snag your hose!
If the design incorporates a zipper, ensure that there is material covering the zipper. This material should be between the zipper and the items that are inside the lingerie bag. For the designs that are for storage and travel only, ensure that there are no unprotected corners or closures that your unmentionables can be caught on.
Other uses and ideas for lingerie bags
- When preparing the laundry, don’t overstuff the lingerie pouch. If necessary, purchase several bags. Quality bras, panties and hosiery are not cheap so having several bags is only an investment in extending the life of those personal items.
- Use larger bags to wash other delicates in such as silk blouses or sweaters.
- Tired of losing your baby’s socks? Keep a lingerie pouch in the nursery to hold the dirty socks and then toss in with their regular clothes.
- Give to the bride or a friend who has joined the corporate world
By taking an extra simple and quick step, your lingerie will stay pretty and they will last longer. Every woman should definitely own a bag for her lingerie!